Harbour Master urges awareness of Rena exclusion zone

The two nautical mile exclusion zone
that exists for all vessels around the Rena wreck, situated
on the Astrolabe Reef in the Bay of Plenty, is still in
place.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Harbour Master
Carl Magazinovic said divers were making good progress on
the reduction of the wreck and debris field, but he urged
people to be mindful of the exclusion zone while out on the
water.

“Nine hundred tonnes of steel has now been
removed,” he said. “However we still need an exclusion
zone in place to ensure that the Rena response operations
can continue safely and without hindrance from other
vessels.”

“In consultation with the relevant parties
we are constantly reviewing the exclusion zone and will keep
the public informed if we do decide to make
changes.”

The steel cutting work on Rena is now in its
underwater cutting phase. A crane barge, tugs and a debris
removal vessel have been deployed to the site to assist with
the removal of material from the wreck.

“This is a
timely reminder to those planning to spend some time out on
the water in the Bay to keep safe this summer. As well as
keeping two nautical miles away from the Rena wreck, you
should wear a life jacket, keep to the five knot rule, stay
out of the way of big ships and always tell someone where
you are going.”

Anyone found in the exclusion zone
without the express permission from the Harbour Master may
be
fined.

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